West Virginia Sports Betting Revenue Trends: Insights and Analysis

7 min read
Feb 21, 2025, 2:10 PM

West Virginia Sports Betting Market Overview

West Virginia is known as the Mountain State and has a population of around 1.8 million as of 2024. West Virginia was ahead of the curve on sports betting in the U.S. and has a solid framework for both retail and online sports wagering.

After the US Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in May 2018, West Virginia quickly launched sports betting operations. The first bets were placed on August 30, 2018, at the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, a massive milestone in the state’s gaming history.

Since then, West Virginia’s sports betting market has grown significantly. The state has both retail sportsbooks and online sportsbooks, giving bettors multiple options options. Major operators like FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, ESPN Bet, and Caesars have a presence in the state, creating a competitive environment with plenty of choices for online betting.

The West Virginia Lottery Commission regulates sports wagering in the state to ensure integrity across all platforms. The state taxes sports betting at 10%, which applies to both retail and online operators. The first $15 million of that tax revenue is allocated to the state's lottery fund, with anything in excess of that amount going to state pensions.

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West Virginia

Annual Sports Betting Growth in West Virginia

The West Virginia Lottery publishes partial data on its sports betting financials. Data is pulled directly from the WV Lottery Annual Reports.

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Monthly Sports Betting Growth in West Virginia

2024

The West Virginia Lottery publishes partial data on its sports betting financials. Data is pulled directly from the WV Lottery Monthly Reports.

Source:

RG

Embed Chart

West Virginia's Sports Betting Performance

In 2024, West Virginia’s legal sports betting industry performed well. The state had a Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) of $235,596,795.10 for the year, which demonstrated strong consumer interest in a relatively low-population state.

Since its launch, West Virginia’s sports betting industry has grown steadily, with a combination of online and retail sportsbooks.

West Virginia is a relatively modest market, but it's created an operator-friendly environment with low taxation, which should allow the industry to continue to thrive. West Virginia's sports betting revenue will never beat that of some of the biggest states like New York or Pennsylvania. Still, its betting handle and revenue seem to be sufficient in satisfying sportsbooks in West Virginia.

Latest Legal Sports Betting Updates in West Virginia

  • December 2024: Betting operator VIP Play reveals plan to expand to West Virginia in 2025 (Sportsgrid, 2024)
  • August 1, 2024 - Esports provider Oddin.gg granted a temporary sports betting license in West Virginia. (SBC Americas, 2024)
  • July 3, 2024 - West Virginia sends cease-and-desist to Bovada as it cracks down on offshore sportsbooks. (West Virginia News, 2024)
  • April 7, 2020 - West Virginia becomes the first state where sports bettors could wager on politics before rescinding markets due to a law from 1868. (NBC News, 2020)

Future Outlook for West Virginia Online Sports Betting

West Virginia’s online sports betting market is thriving and stable, with revenues increasing. As the Mountain State continues to grow in the sports betting landscape, here are the factors that will shape its future:

Revenue Growth

Sports betting was a strong industry in West Virginia throughout 2024. Operators saw big spikes during major events like the NFL playoffs, the Super Bowl, and March Madness. With continued consumer engagement and mobile betting growth, the state is set for more revenue growth in 2025 and beyond.

Retail Betting Hubs

West Virginia’s five land-based casinos play an important role in the state's sports betting market. Properties like Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races and the Mardi Gras Casino are retail hubs that will continue to supplement the revenue sportsbooks that are online-only provide in the state.

Monthly Trends and Seasonality

Seasonal fluctuations impact sports betting revenue in West Virginia. Betting is down in the summer when there are fewer major events. But the market bounces back in the fall with the return of college and pro football, which is the biggest driver of sports betting trends.

Regional Dynamics

West Virginia competes with neighboring states that also have sports betting. However, its established framework, regulatory stability, and early adoption of mobile betting could give it an advantage.

West Virginia Snapshot

Key AspectDetails
PopulationApproximately 1.76 million residents as of 2024. (World Population Review, 2024)
Political AffiliationHeavily Republican, West Virginia has a GOP trifecta, with the party controlling the governorship and both legislative chambers, and the state voted Republican in the 2024 presidential election. (270towin.com, 2024)
Year Sports Betting LegalizedWest Virginia was an early adopter of legal sports betting, passing a bill to allow it in March 2018 (Forbes, 2018).
Number of Sportsbooks OperatingEight sportsbooks are operating in West Virginia, including betMGM, BetRivers, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics Sportsbook, FanDuel, and Betly.
Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) 2024$235,596,795.10
Professional Sports TeamsWest Virginia is not home to any major professional sports teams. The West Virginia Mountaineers college football team is the most popular local NCAA team.

FAQs on West Virginia's Sports Betting Revenue

General Questions on West Virginia Sports Betting

When did West Virginia legalize sports betting?

West Virginia legalized sports betting in March 2018 and launched operations in August 2018.

Who regulates sports betting in West Virginia?

The West Virginia Lottery Commission oversees all sports betting operations in the state.

What is the tax rate on sports betting revenue in West Virginia?

West Virginia taxes sports betting revenue at 10%, with the first $15 million allocated to the state’s lottery fund and any excess going to state pensions.

Which sportsbooks operate in West Virginia?

Major operators in West Virginia include FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, ESPN Bet, and Caesars.

How much revenue did West Virginia’s sports betting market generate in 2024?

West Virginia reported a Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) of $235,596,795.10 for the year 2024.